Kawasaki, Japan
Kawasaki is a major industrial and cultural city between Tokyo and Yokohama, renowned for its vibrant waterfront, historic temples, and innovative museums.
Port Overview
Kawasaki is located in Kanagawa Prefecture on Tokyo Bay, forming part of the Greater Tokyo Area. As one of Japan’s major commercial ports, it ranks among the top in the country for industrial and logistical activity. Strategically positioned near Tokyo and Yokohama, Kawasaki serves as a key distribution hub for the Keihin Industrial Zone and the wider metropolitan region. The port features deep-water container terminals and advanced refrigerated warehouses, supporting robust international trade. Kawasaki’s annual container throughput is approximately 700,000 TEUs, reflecting its significant role in Asian cargo movement.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Kawasaki Port features the Higashi-Ohgishima container terminal with 25 foreign trade wharves, a 431-meter wharf (planned extension to 680 meters), and a yard capacity of up to 6,900 TEU. Key equipment includes three gantry cranes (40.6-ton capacity), eight transfer cranes, reach-stackers, and top-lifters. Facilities support refrigerated cargo, dangerous goods, and all-weather inspections. Advanced distribution centers and integrated logistics areas enhance cargo handling efficiency. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are planned for future upgrades.
Container Terminals
Kawasaki’s main container terminal features 1 berth with a length of 431 meters (expandable to 680 meters) and a water depth of 14 meters, accommodating vessels up to 50,000 DWT. The terminal has a yard capacity of around 13,100 TEU and is equipped with 3 gantry cranes and 8 transfer cranes. Automation is moderate, focusing on efficient crane operations. Major operators include Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation and Kawasaki Rinko Soko Futo.
Port Services
- Container handling: Modern container terminals with facilities for loading, unloading, and transshipment of containers.
- Cargo operations: Handling of bulk, breakbulk, and general cargo, including specialized cargo such as refrigerated goods.
- Ship services: Bunkering, ship repair, maintenance, and husbandry services available for vessels.
- Warehousing: Extensive warehousing, including Japan’s largest concentration of refrigerated warehouse facilities.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services for import and export cargo.
Global Connectivity
Kawasaki Port is strategically located in Tokyo Bay, directly connected to the major ports of Tokyo and Yokohama, forming the Keihin industrial zone. It serves the Greater Tokyo metropolitan area and the wider Kanto region, with efficient access to national expressways and proximity to Haneda and Narita airports. Kawasaki handles regular shipping routes to key Asian markets and connects to global trade lanes, supporting both import and export cargo flows.
Port Statistics
Port of Kawasaki, Japan – Key Statistics (2024):
- TEU throughput: 17,066 TEUs (2024, down 24.7% year-on-year)
- World ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top 100 container ports
- Number of berths: 15 main berths
- Port area: Approximately 1,500 hectares
- Shipping lines: Served by major carriers including NYK Line, MOL, K Line, Evergreen, and ONE
Kawasaki is a regional port focused on industrial cargo and containers, supporting Japan’s manufacturing sector.
